
Job hunting can feel like shouting into the void. You send out resumes, tweak your cover letter for the hundredth time, and cross your fingers, hoping a recruiter notices you. But what if there was a way to put yourself directly on their radar?
Enter LinkedIn’s Open to Work feature—a simple yet powerful tool designed to make you more visible to recruiters and potential employers. But here’s the catch: just turning it on isn’t enough. If you don’t use it strategically, you could either go unnoticed or, worse, come across as desperate.
So, what is LinkedIn Open to Work, and how do you use it the right way? Let’s break it down so you can land your next opportunity faster—and smarter.
What is LinkedIn Open to Work?
LinkedIn’s Open to Work feature allows job seekers to signal their availability to recruiters and their network. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that can boost your visibility and improve your chances of landing the right job. But using it correctly is key—otherwise, you might come off as desperate rather than in demand.
If you’ve been wondering, What is LinkedIn Open to Work and how can I leverage it?—you’re in the right place. This guide will show you how to make the most of it while maintaining a strong professional image.
How Does LinkedIn “Open to Work” Function?
The feature lets you customize your job search preferences, including:
1. The job titles you’re after
Choosing the right job titles is crucial because recruiters search for candidates based on these keywords. Be specific and use industry-standard titles to increase your chances of appearing in searches—for example, instead of just “Marketing,” you might list “Content Marketing Manager” or “Growth Marketer.” If you’re open to multiple roles, prioritize the ones that best match your skills and career goals, ensuring your profile aligns with the positions you want.
2. Preferred work setup (including remote options)
Indicating your preferred job locations helps recruiters find opportunities that fit your needs. If you’re open to relocating, consider specifying multiple cities or regions to widen your reach. Additionally, with the rise of remote work, stating that you’re open to fully remote or hybrid roles can make your profile more attractive to companies that offer flexible work arrangements.
3. Your availability
Clarifying your preferred work arrangement ensures you get matched with roles that align with your lifestyle and financial goals. If you’re seeking stability and benefits, full-time employment may be the best fit, whereas contract or freelance work can offer flexibility and variety. Be honest about what works best for you to avoid mismatches and ensure recruiters reach out with relevant opportunities.
4. Who can see your Open to Work status
LinkedIn gives you control over who sees your job search status, so use this feature strategically. If you’re currently employed and don’t want your employer to know you’re looking, selecting “recruiters only” keeps your search discreet. On the other hand, making your status visible to your entire network can increase your chances of finding opportunities through referrals and connections with people who may know of job openings.
You also get an option to add a green #OpenToWork frame to your profile picture, making it obvious to your connections that you’re looking.
But should you use it? And if so, how do you make it work in your favor?
How to Use LinkedIn Open to Work Effectively
1. Be Strategic About Visibility
LinkedIn gives you two choices for who can see your Open to Work status:
- Recruiters only: Your job search stays private, visible only to people using LinkedIn’s Recruiter tool.
- Your network: A green Open to Work banner appears on your profile photo, letting all your connections know you’re searching.
If you’re currently employed and don’t want your boss to know you’re job-hunting, choose recruiters only. Otherwise, the banner can help you tap into opportunities from your network.
2. Optimize Your Profile First
Before you turn on Open to Work, make sure your LinkedIn profile is strong. A poorly written profile won’t impress recruiters, no matter how visible you are. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Professional headline: Instead of just “Job Seeker,” use something compelling like “Marketing Strategist | Helping Brands Drive Engagement & Growth.”
- Engaging summary: Clearly state your skills, achievements, and what you bring to the table.
- Updated experience section: Highlight key projects and measurable results.
- Skills & endorsements: Add relevant skills and get endorsements to boost credibility.
3. Choose Your Job Preferences Wisely
When setting up Open to Work, be specific about the job titles and industries you’re targeting. A vague or overly broad search can make you look unfocused.
Example: Instead of listing “Marketing”, specify “Content Marketing Manager | Growth Marketer | Digital Strategy.”
The more precise you are, the better LinkedIn’s algorithm can match you with relevant recruiters.
4. Engage on LinkedIn to Boost Visibility
Turning on Open to Work isn’t enough—you need to be active on the platform. Here’s how to stay on recruiters’ radar:
- Post valuable content about your expertise or industry trends.
- Comment on posts from industry leaders and companies you want to work for.
- Network strategically by connecting with recruiters, hiring managers, and professionals in your field.
This positions you as an engaged, knowledgeable candidate—not just someone desperately looking for a job.
5. Reach Out to Recruiters Directly
Don’t just wait for recruiters to find you. Use LinkedIn’s search bar to find hiring professionals in your industry and send a personalized message:
💡 Hi [Recruiter’s Name], I saw your post about [Company’s Job Opening] and wanted to introduce myself. I have experience in [Your Expertise] and would love to connect. Looking forward to staying in touch!
This proactive approach can put you ahead of other candidates.
6. Turn It Off Once You Land a Job
Once you’ve secured a new role, don’t forget to turn off Open to Work. Leaving it on after getting hired might make you seem unaware or unprofessional.
Go to your LinkedIn profile → Open to Work section → Click ‘Remove’ to update your status.
Should You Use LinkedIn Open to Work?
Yes—but with strategy. If used correctly, Open to Work can be a great tool to attract recruiters without coming across as desperate. Just make sure your profile is polished, your job preferences are clear, and you’re actively engaging with your network.
So, if you’re still wondering What is LinkedIn Open to Work, now you know: it’s a tool that can work for you—when used smartly.
🚀 Ready to land your next opportunity? Optimize your LinkedIn profile today and make Open to Work work for you!